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Bennie Wheels to return to Sweetwater this month

Step back in time with Bennie Wheels, Johnny Cash tribute artist, at the Sweetwater Municipal Auditorium on Saturday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m. and enjoy classic Johnny Cash hits that are still loved today by all generations. He not only offers a sound and look comparable to Cash. His wife, Renee, also looks and sounds like June Carter Cash, and she will perform alongside her husband as she has on the Sweetwater Municipal Auditorium stage before.Wheels also credits his wife for bringing him out of his shell and encouraging him to perform. “I always wanted to sing in front of people, but I was shy,” he said. Bennie and Renee enjoyed entering karaoke contests, and he won such a contest singing Elvis songs. Then with his wife’s encouragement and professional training, he got himself on a stage. He also now plays guitar and a little harmonica.Wheels continues to stay busy. He performs often in Branson, but he says he enjoys playing small, historic venues like Sweetwater’s Municipal Auditorium. “The people are down to earth,” he said. “I look forward to seeing everyone again, as well as new faces,” he said of Sweetwater.His Walkin’ the Line band will be there to add to the musical fun, and they are very talented themselves. Bass player Franchot Johnston plays a stand-up bass to offer a tribute to Marshall Grant. Drummer Martin McCall comes to the stage with a lot of experience in the industry, and Dave Ervin is the newest member, offering his talent and experience on lead guitar to the band since 2007.The Sweetwater Municipal Band will also be part of the musical entertainment. Wheels said he enjoys playing with the local band and what the horns add to his music.Tickets are $10 for general admission and will be available at the Chamber of Commerce, 810 East Broadway. You can also call the Chamber at 235-5488.Wheels invites everyone to check out his show and all those who have enjoyed him in the past to return. “I’m certainly not Johnny Cash, but I try to make my performances as authentic as possible,” he said.